Self-Employed Tax Calculator

Estimate what you owe as a freelancer, contractor or small business owner: self-employment tax, federal income tax, quarterly payments, and how much to set aside. Based on projected 2026 rules.

Estimate only — not tax advice. This calculator uses projected 2026 brackets, the estimated standard deduction, and a projected Social Security wage base, all of which may change. State and local income taxes are not included. For your actual tax bill, consult a qualified tax professional or the IRS.
Revenue minus business expenses — the amount on Schedule C, line 31.
Enter a valid non-negative number.
W-2 wages, interest, etc. (not counted toward the SE tax base).
Enter a valid non-negative number.
Auto-filled by filing status: ~$16,100 single, ~$32,200 MFJ, ~$24,150 HoH (projected). Edit if you itemize or claim extra deductions.
Enter a valid non-negative number.
State tax is not included. State and local income taxes vary widely and are excluded from this estimate. If your state taxes income, budget extra (often roughly 2–7% on top, depending on your state and bracket).

Estimated total federal tax

$0
Self-employment tax
$0
Federal income tax
$0
Combined effective rate
0%
Net self-employment profit
SE taxable base (92.35% of profit)
SE tax — 12.4% Social Security (up to wage base)
SE tax — 2.9% Medicare
Deduction for half of SE tax
Other income
Standard deduction (less)
Taxable income
Federal income tax (2026 est. brackets)
Total estimated federal tax
Recommended quarterly payment
$0
Suggested set-aside from income
0%

Quarterly due dates for 2026: April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15, 2027. Set-aside % is total tax ÷ total income — many freelancers round up to a simpler number like 25–30%.

Frequently asked questions

What is self-employment tax?

Self-employment (SE) tax is the Social Security and Medicare tax for people who work for themselves. Employees pay 7.65% of wages (with the employer paying the other half); self-employed people pay the full 15.3% — 12.4% for Social Security up to the annual wage base (projected at about $184,500 for 2026) and 2.9% for Medicare with no cap. The tax applies to 92.35% of your net profit, which roughly equalizes treatment with employees. Half of your SE tax is deductible from your income tax.

How do quarterly taxes work?

The US tax system is pay-as-you-go. If you expect to owe $1,000 or more in tax for the year, the IRS generally requires estimated tax payments four times a year (April, June, September, and January of the following year). Underpayment can trigger penalties, so freelancers typically divide their expected annual tax by four — the calculator above shows that number. You can pay online at IRS.gov/payments.

Can I deduct a home office?

Yes, if you use part of your home regularly and exclusively for business. The simplified method lets you deduct $5 per square foot of qualifying space, up to 300 square feet ($1,500 max). The actual-expense method lets you deduct a percentage of rent, utilities, insurance, and repairs based on the office's share of your home. Your net SE profit in this calculator should already reflect any home office deduction taken on Schedule C.

Do I pay both income tax and SE tax?

Yes — these are two separate taxes. SE tax (15.3%) covers Social Security and Medicare and applies to your net self-employment profit regardless of brackets. Federal income tax is then calculated on your profit plus other income, minus your deduction and half of the SE tax, using your filing status brackets. The calculator above shows both, plus the combined effective rate.